Crop farming is widespread, producing mostly cereals, rice, fruit and vegetables.
The largest component of the Uruguayan economy is manufacturing, which is concentrated in oil and coal-derived products, chemicals, textiles, transport equipment and leather products. Mining is confined to small-scale extraction of building materials, industrial minerals and some gold. The country's main trading partners are Brazil, Argentina, the USA and Germany. Businessmen should wear conservative suits and ties. As far as communication is concerned, some knowledge of Spanish will prove invaluable, although English may be spoken by many in business and tourist circles.