Economy is divided between traditional agricultural sector and modern mining industry. Principal agricultural products are dates, millet, sorghum, rice, and corn. Cattle, sheep, goats, and camels are raised. A large deposit of high-grade iron ore was discovered in N Mauritania. Gypsum, gold, copper, and salt are also mined. Offshore oil deposits began being exploited in 2006. Principal trade partners are France, Belgium, Japan, and Spain.
Since independence, main exports have been iron ore and fish. In 1983 fishing replaced iron ore as the major foreign exchange earner. During the same period, iron ore exports fell to around 40 percent of total exports. Gold and copper are also significant export commodities.