How does an increase in trade affect the cultures involved

Trade spreads ideas and culture because it involves people moving from place to place around the world as they trade. As they move, they (and the people they meet) come into contact with new ideas and cultural practices.

The increase of traffic and trade between two different cultures cause an exchange in cultural factors as well. Some elements can be brought over of be mixed in the different cultures involved. The two cultures will be more familiar with each other and most likely will adopt elements of the other. There will be more exchange of people even. And the economies, with more to negotiate and trade, will most likely grow.