There were several factors that led to an increase in trade outside of China during the Renaissance:
1. Expansion of European exploration and colonization: European explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama began to sail to Asia and the Americas, leading to the establishment of new trade routes and markets.
2. Development of mercantilism: The rise of mercantilism, a economic theory which emphasized the importance of trade for a nation's wealth and power, encouraged European nations to seek out new trade opportunities and markets.
3. Technological advancements: The development of navigation tools, such as the compass and astrolabe, allowed for safer and more efficient sea travel, making it easier for merchants to trade with distant regions.
4. Political instability in the Middle East: Political instability in the Ottoman Empire and other Middle Eastern regions disrupted traditional trade routes, making it more difficult for merchants to trade with the East. This led to the development of new trade routes, bypassing the Ottoman Empire and opening up new markets in the West.
5. Agricultural innovations: Agricultural innovations in Europe, such as the widespread adoption of new crops and improved farming techniques, led to a surplus of food and goods that could be traded with other regions.
These factors, among others, helped to spur the growth of international trade during the Renaissance and laid the foundation for the globalization of trade in the modern era.