What type of partnership is primarily engaged in the buying and selling of merchandise?

The appropriate choice is the trading partnership, as this type of partnership is specifically structured for the buying and selling of goods and merchandise. In trading partnerships, the primary focus is on engaging in trade activities, which can include wholesale, retail, or import/export operations. These partnerships benefit from members pooling their resources and expertise to enhance their business dealings in various merchandise markets, allowing them to capitalize on economies of scale and diverse market opportunities.

Investment partnerships, although they may involve business activities, are more focused on investment purposes rather than direct trading or retail functions. Limited partnerships are characterized by having one or more general partners who manage the business and limited partners who primarily contribute capital; they may not necessarily be directly involved in trading activities. Pooled partnerships, often similar to investment partnerships, involve sharing resources but do not specifically target the direct buying and selling of merchandise. Thus, the trading partnership stands out as the clear choice that aligns directly with the commerce-driven nature of the question.