* **Major Export:** Opium was a major export commodity, contributing significantly to India's overall exports. Records indicate it was one of the most valuable goods traded by Indian merchants within Asia before the British East India Company monopolized the industry.

* **Tax Revenue:** Mughal rulers collected taxes on opium production and trade, which constituted a substantial source of revenue for their governments.

* **Regional Economies:** Opium cultivation and processing supported local economies in certain regions, providing income to farmers, traders, and laborers involved in the supply chain.

While it's difficult to say what percentage of India's GDP came from opium before British involvement, its importance as a trade commodity and source of revenue was undeniable.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5735833&forum_id=2#49003318)

* **Higher Demand and Prices in China:** By the 18th century, opium consumption was already on the rise in China. The demand significantly outstripped any potential domestic market within Britain. Chinese consumers were willing to pay much higher prices for the product, making it a lucrative export.

* **Existing Trade Networks:** The British East India Company had already established extensive trade networks with China, particularly through ports like Canton (Guangzhou). These existing routes made it easier and more cost-effective to ship opium directly to China rather than trying to establish new markets in England.

* **Legal Restrictions in Britain:** While opium was legal in some parts of Europe during this period, its use was not widespread in Britain. There were also nascent concerns about its addictive properties, which may have led to some degree of social stigma and potential restrictions on trade within the country.

* **Profitability:** The British government, through its close ties to the East India Company, actively encouraged and profited from the opium trade with China. The enormous profits generated from this illicit enterprise were a powerful incentive for them to maintain it.

It's important to note that while the British did sell some opium domestically, the vast majority was shipped to China due to the combination of higher demand, existing trade networks, and the immense profitability associated with the Chinese market.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5735833&forum_id=2#49003321)

Here's why opium still became a preferred commodity for the British despite its weight:

* **Higher Profit Margin:** As mentioned before, the demand for opium in China was significantly higher than in Britain, leading to much greater profit potential. The high price point per unit of opium compensated for the increased shipping costs associated with its weight.

* **Bulk Shipment Potential:** While opium itself is dense, it could be processed into more transportable forms like cakes or bricks. This allowed for efficient packing and loading on ships.

* **Existing Trade Routes:** The British already had established trade routes to China geared towards transporting bulk goods like spices and tea. Adapting these existing channels for opium wasn't a major hurdle.

* **Company Control:** The East India Company had significant control over production, processing, and distribution of opium in India. They could optimize the logistics to make its transportation more cost-effective despite the weight.

Essentially, even though shipping opium was heavier than some other commodities, the extraordinary profits it generated for the British made it a worthwhile trade venture.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5735833&forum_id=2#49003324)