Question

Why did European merchants generally trade gold and silver for Chinese goods in Ming China, rather than trade manufactured goods of their own?

Answer 1

european manufactured goods were generally lower quality than chinese goods 

Answer 2

Correct answer:

European manufactured goods were generally of lower quality than the Chinese goods

During the Ming Dynasty there was a thriving trade with both Europe and Japan. The Ming dynasty managed to create high quality manufactured products, so the other merchants exchanged gold and silver. With the obtained income they obtained the construction of channels, highways and bridges on the part of the Ming government.