Legal Definitions - coasting trade

Coasting trade refers to the commerce that takes place between different coastal ports or navigable rivers within a country. This type of trade is different from the commerce that takes place between different nations.

For example, if a ship travels from New York to Boston and carries goods that are meant to be sold in Boston, this is considered coasting trade. Similarly, if a ship travels from one port to another within the United States, carrying goods that are meant to be sold within the country, this is also considered coasting trade.

The purpose of coasting trade is to facilitate the movement of goods within a country and to promote domestic commerce. It allows businesses to transport their goods quickly and efficiently to different parts of the country, without having to deal with the complexities of international trade.