Why did britain adopt mercantilist policies for the american colonies?
a. britain believed that trading with other nations would not benefit the colonies
b. britain believed the colonies should develop an independent economy
c. britain wanted the colonies to offer other nations poor goods at high prices
d. britain did not want trade with the colonies to enrich its competitors

D. Britain did not want to trade with the colonies to enrich its competitors.

Explanation:

The mercantile system Britain adopted for the American colonies consisted in controlling American trade by moving goods and supplies from the American colonies to Britain in which those goods and supplies were scarce, this way Britain was able to finish the products and selling them at a higher price. Britain was enriched by the supplies produced in the American colonies, not its competitors.