How to identify bad trade deals?

[moose1999]

I have a problem with my trade deals.
I have a lot of trade agreements, mostly concerning iron and textiles, but according to the economy report (see image below) only a few of them are working.
How do I identify which of my agreements are working and which should be canceled?

If I read the report correctly it seems a lot of the stuff I should be importing is not being delivered - but I'm still paying for it!
I would like to be able to identify and cancel the non-functioning trade agreements - being able to identify the problem would be nice, too - so I don't pay for goods that don't arrive.
Is this possible somehow?

[lenin]

Perhaps some privateers have nicked it or the trade route has become blocked?

Check your trade routes using the map overlay and privateer activity is reported in one of the report screens (? production??).

[moose1999]

No reports of privateers stealing any of my goods.
And to be honest, I haven't found use for the trade overlay yet.
I find it difficult to learn much from it as it seems to show all trade routes in the game and not just mine making it very hard to find your own routes.
I use it only for setting up privateers.

Hm, since trade isn't working out for me very well, perhaps I should try and get some more privateers.
You can always trust a pirate to bring home some treasure!

[Ironclad]

Don't give up on trade, its usually much better than privateers and you do get to choose what you want even if it doesn't always arrive. Good point about costs, but you can try and minimise things by going for shorter distance routes where possible.

[Ironclad]

I forgot to add that trade has a double purpose since it helps to improve attitude with other countries. So that together with the need to secure particular resources would be reasons for opting for longer routes where necessary but even then you can look for the closest ones from the power concerned. The filter menu and distance indicators are really useful for this.

[moose1999]

Yes, I see your point about relations.
And choosing shorter routes is a good idea too.
A lot of my trade is with Russia and there is quite a distance from Copenhagen to Moscow...
I'll give trade another chance, then, and call back my pirates for the time being [:)].