* The Dwarves' Quest: The primary motivation for the dwarves' journey is to reclaim their lost treasure from Smaug. This treasure is explicitly stated to be a source of wealth and trade for the dwarves, indicating their reliance on commerce.
* The Importance of Gold: Gold is a recurring motif throughout the story, signifying wealth, power, and the potential for trade. Bilbo's finding of a vast hoard of gold in Smaug's lair further emphasizes this.
* The Shire's Economy: The Shire, though peaceful and rural, engages in some trade. Bilbo's journeys demonstrate that the Shire's inhabitants produce goods like food and produce that they likely exchange with other communities.
* The Bartering of the Dwarves: While traveling, the dwarves often barter for goods and services. This shows that trade is a common practice even amongst those who are not directly involved in large-scale commerce.
* The Importance of Trade Routes: The journey through the wilderness reveals the importance of trade routes. The dwarves and Bilbo encounter ruins and landmarks that suggest the presence of past trade networks, demonstrating the interconnectedness of different communities.
Although trade isn't the main focus of the story, it acts as a backdrop and drives the narrative. The dwarves' quest for their treasure and Bilbo's participation in their journey are all intertwined with the concept of wealth, possessions, and the potential for trade.