There is historical evidence suggesting the Aztecs required some regions to send tribute items they could not have grown or produced locally. What might have been the economic intention of this practice

To conduct trade (long-distance trade)

Explanation:

The Aztec was one of the famous civilization from Central America. The economy of the Aztec based on trade, agricultural goods, and tribute. Aztec trade was crucially important to the empire for goods used which not produced locally. Some of the goods like white cotton and cacao beans imported from conquered regions. These goods with gems, feathers, and jewellery acquired by pochteca who were professional merchants, known for travelling long distances to get the luxury goods for the nobility.