Traditionally, the Real de Minas potosino has driven the industrial engines in the state of San Luis Potos�, and as such, nowadays basic metallurgy still has the largest contribution within the Gross Domestic Product of the entity. The main products extracted across local mines are zinc, copper, lead, gold, silver, mercury, manganese, and arsenic. Other industries following the mining lead are in the sectors of chemicals, foods, beverages, tobacco, and textiles.
The services sector, also known as tertiary, is second regarding contribution to the state's income with a 21%, followed by commerce, hotels and restaurants with 18%. These combined activities employ 51% of the economically active population or EAP.
Agriculture is a traditional activity, still practiced in the Huasteca region. Currently, even if it contributes very little to the state GDP, it nevertheless employs as much as 20% of the EAP of the entity. The main agricultural products grown on Potos� soil are maize, beans, barley, sugar cane, oranges, coffee, sour lemon, prickly pear, and mango. Livestock activities are focused on raising sheep, cattle, and pigs.
General Motors now has a plant under construction, San Luis Potos� Assembly, to employ up to 1800 and assembly up to 160,000 vehicles per year.
Cummins Inc. has had a manufacturing presence in San Luis Potos� since 1980 and employs nearly 2000 people there
