Final answer:
The search for a Northwest Passage was important for European nations primarily because of exploration of new trade routes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The search for a Northwest Passage was important for European nations primarily because of exploration of new trade routes. Europeans desired to find a quicker route to the East to gain access to valuable goods such as silk, tea, and spices from the Eastern world. By finding a direct all-water passage, European nations could establish new trade routes and reduce the cost of importing these luxury items.