Quebec City was well known for the fur trade. Most of the furs that Quebec exported went directly to France along with fish and lumber. In order to get these furs the French had to trade with the natives. In return for beaver pelts and other furs Indigenous people received European goods such as alcohol and other manufactured goods. In France hats and coats made from beaver pelts became some of the most sought-after items for the upperclass. Quebec also transported lumber and fish to the French West Indies, and received sugar, rum and other goods from the Caribbean. This trade played a pivotal role in the development of the French colonies as it gave them many of the material necessary to grow their industries.
Image 3: Map of trade in to New France
Price of beaver pelts increased from 7 shillings in the year 1723 to 12 shillings in the year 1746. This number is based on the prices in Great Britain at the time due to the lack of good information available. However, a similar rise in price was noticed in France around this time. Image 4 shows the price of a fur coat in standard units which is the price Indians were paid for pelts. In both the Fort Albany factory and the York factory, which are two fur factories in Canada.
Image 4: Price Index of Furs in Albany in York County