Which country did the Dutch trade with for spices during the 16th century?

The correct answer is that the Dutch traded primarily with Indonesia for spices during the 16th century, particularly the Indonesian islands known as the Spice Islands or the Moluccas. This region was famously rich in valuable spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and mace, which were highly sought after in Europe for their culinary uses and preservative qualities.

The Dutch East India Company, established in 1602, played a critical role in the spice trade, establishing a monopoly on the spice markets by ousting Portuguese control in the region. While India and China did have trade relations with various European powers, the significant spice trade involving the Dutch was predominantly centered in Indonesia. Therefore, the emphasis on Indonesia regarding spice trading is essential to understanding the dynamics of 16th-century global trade.