The Republic of Texas was independent for only 10 years, and during that time the only nations to refuse to recognize its independence were Mexico (this is usually the case with the former owner of a newly independent state), Denmark, and Britain. Both of the latter nations had strong trade relations with Mexico which they wanted to avoid upsetting, though they continued to import cotton from Texas. Britain, having abolished the slave trade in 1833, was becoming increasingly antagonistic to countries where it persisted, though they still hosted a Texan consulate in London and established their own in Austin. Many of Texas's trading partners hosted Texan consulates or embassies and opened their own in Houston or Austin. Texas had embassies in the United States, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, who all fully recognized Texan independence.