Why is trade an essential part of the culture and economy of the pacific island?

Trade is essential to the economy of the Pacific Islands because resources are distributed unevenly among the islands. Therefore, trade is vital for survival. Trade is also an important part of the informal economy, where those who engage in subsistence agriculture sell small portions of agricultural products. Finally, trade is an important part of the culture: traditionally, feathers, foods, spices, and shells were traded among groups on the islands. Trade carries important political and social meanings, and trade was often used to establish relationships among different groups.