What is an example of mercantilism?

An example of mercantilism was the Sugar Act of 1764 which made colonists in America had to pay higher tariffs and duties on imports of foreign-made refined sugar products. 

Mercantilism is an economic policy that is designed to maximize the exports and minimize the imports for an economy. It was an economic policy that gave rise to imperialism and colonialism among European nations.

For further reading check the following articles:

• Portuguese India
• British Raj
• Dutch Colonialism in India