The Portuguese explorers, upon reaching Asia, did not possess a wide array of goods to trade with local consumers. Their main offerings included slaves and gold sourced from their colonies in West Africa, but these were not the primary objective of their ventures. Instead of seeking territorial conquest in the traditional sense, the Portuguese aimed to forge a new trade network that would enable them to tap into the lucrative Asian markets.

Their success in establishing this new trade system was largely due to a series of technological advancements that gave them an edge over their competitors. These innovations allowed the Portuguese to navigate and connect with different regions effectively, facilitating trade in a way that was previously not feasible. This strategy underscored their focus on creating a robust commercial presence rather than pursuing outright domination.