Grain Inland Traders Character Analysis

Inland traders are the first and by far the predominant kind of grain traders: in the 18th century, they accounted for over 95% of Britain’s corn trade. While many countries force farmers to sell their grain directly to consumers, Smith argues that Britain’s system is far better for including these inland traders, who act as wholesalers—they facilitate distribution and keep grain markets functioning despite yearly price fluctuations. Consumers tend to blame inland grain traders for scarcity and high prices in lean years, failing to realize that these prices prevent grain supplies from running out (which would cause famine). In this sense, inland traders’ interests are aligned with society’s, even if they generally make their profits in such years, while barely covering their costs in others. Since agriculture is widespread and decentralized, the inland grain trade is all but impossible to monopolize.