I thought starting populated colonies would encourage some trade, but so far the income generated is miniscule.
I hate the civilian trading sector since it doesnt generate smeg for income.
The most ive had the civilian sector make me is 23% of my total income, which doesnt relate to anything ive ever seen in the real world.
Pretty much all of your income is from the civilian sector. The civilian trading is specifically income from taxing trade, not all civilian tax. The main source of tax from the civilian sector is population taxes.
Steve