The triangular trade refers to the Atlantic trade routes in colonial times. One triangular trade route moved slaves, rum, and goods between West Africa, the Caribbean or the American colonies, and the European colonial powers. This triangular trade route involved three journeys:
1- Ships from Europe would carry manufactured goods to the west coast of Africa to trade for slaves.
2- Ships from Africa would carry slaves to the Caribbean or the American colonies to trade for raw materials.
3- Ships from America would return to Europe to complete the triangle with raw materials, such as rum, sugar, cotton, coffee.
The attached image clearly shows this triangular trade route.