France GC center of trade bug?

[unmerged(2708)]

I just stared a GC as France and notice that although I have a merchant to start with I am not able to send him to any center of trade (even my own in Ile de France). I have no trade embargos against anyone and no one appears to have any embargos against France. If I want until I have two merchants to send it doesn't help. Am I doing something wrong or is this a bug? I've tried starting a new game and the same thing occurs. Thanks for any info.

 

[unmerged(827)]

Could it be because of technology level?

 

[unmerged(2708)]

That would be it. Thanks. Guess I'm not used to playing a country with a "0" level of trade.

 

[unmerged(1457)]

Do you have enough money? Do you already have 5 merchants in that CoT? When you hover the cursor over the greyed out "send merchant" button, you should get a reason displayed.