Why did Norwegian trade policy become more active in the interwar period?

Introduction Norwegian trade policy in the interwar period has received little attention in economic historical research, particularly the policy developments of the 1920s. This stands in sharp contrast to other fields of economic policy, which have been examined thoroughly both through research and debates. The literature available is also mostly of a descriptive nature, consisting of short general accounts of trade policy. The exception is the literature dealing with clearing arrangements. Apart from general books on Norwegian history and economic history, the literature dealing with trade policy is mostly confined to contemporary sources.1