I agree here we Saronsen, because, if we compare smuggling, and lawfull tradings... they not even near each other.
When you are lawfull trader, you can pick up cargo, which costs less than 500 credits per one unit. For example, basic alloy, or hydrocarbons, or some rare stuff from Gallia and sell them over than 3.5K per one unit.
Risks? What kind of risks? Well, you can meet a pirate, who ask you 2-3 millions. Heh...what is 2-3 millions, when lawfull 5Ker can make up to 100 millions in matter of one day? Plus...take in account, that lawfull ship us using trade lanes, and moving in civilizate space, which means...you have bases everywhere, where you can safedock. And pirate activity is not much greater, than lawkeeping forces activity.
And now... we have smuggler, who is interested in staying off range of lawkeeping forces. Not using trade lane...has limited cargo capacity. And........what risks he has? 2M or die? How about clean your hold and pay a fine? Sounds nice for you? And moreover...you want to make increase selling price for certain commoduties. So Saronsen has very solid point here.