'trade-based' originates from the combination of 'trade' and 'based', where 'trade' refers to the act of buying and selling goods and services, and 'based' indicates a foundation or reliance on something.

'trade' comes from the Old English word 'trād', meaning 'path' or 'course', and 'based' comes from the Old French 'basse', meaning 'foundation'.

Initially, 'trade' referred to a path or course, but over time it evolved to mean the exchange of goods and services. 'Based' has consistently meant 'founded on' or 'relying on'.