in the early nineteenth century timber became the dominant staple commodity. timber for the domestic market had long been a small industry in the colonies, but it was changes in europe in the early nineteenth century that created a large export market. great britain had exhausted its supplies of quality timber by the start of the eighteenth century. the great oaks that had built the royal navy were all but gone. the lack of very large trees that could supply great masts was especially problematic as they were a necessity for both its war and merchant shipping. a thriving timber importing business had thus developed between britain and the baltic region. this trade was very unpopular for both economic and strategic reasons.