# Market Access Gradient

## Definition

The gradual decrease in market size and economic opportunity as distance from major trade routes, ports, or population centres increases. Market access gradients create patterns of economic development where coastal and riverine areas develop first and most fully.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 3

## Context

Smith's analysis shows how industry naturally begins on sea-coasts and along navigable rivers, and only later extends to inland parts of the country, creating a gradient of economic development based on market access.

## Economic Domain

Exchange

---
