President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Mexico, threatening to levy tariffs in response to what he views as failures by Mexico to adhere to the 1944 Water Treaty between the two nations. The President's concern centers on the agricultural well-being of Texas, which he claims has been compromised by Mexico's actions.
On Truth Social, President Trump stated, “Mexico continues to violate our comprehensive Water Treaty, and this violation is seriously hurting our BEAUTIFUL TEXAS CROPS AND LIVESTOCK. Mexico still owes the U.S over 800,000 acre-feet of water for failing to comply with our Treaty over the past five years. The U.S needs Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet of water before December 31st, and the rest must come soon after.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation and the potential economic repercussions for American farmers.
The 1944 Water Treaty in question required Mexico to deliver 1.5 million acre-feet of Colorado River water to the U.S. annually. Reports indicate that Mexico has not fulfilled this obligation in recent years, leading to significant water shortages in Texas and subsequent strain on the state's agricultural sector.
In response to the perceived non-compliance, President Trump has authorized preparations to impose a 5% tariff on Mexico. He states, “That is why I have authorized documentation to impose a 5% Tariff on Mexico if this water isn’t released, IMMEDIATELY. The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt."
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has countered President Trump's accusations, asserting that her government has maintained its end of the agreement. Furthering the dialogue, President Sheinbaum's administration sent a letter to U.S. officials last week to discuss the water supply issues affecting Texas.
This is not the first instance of tension between the two countries over this issue. In April, President Trump had previously threatened tariffs if a solution was not reached, leading to a temporary halt of water shipments to Tijuana as a form of retribution for Mexico's alleged treaty violations. The Mexican President had stated then that Mexico would supply water to Texas depending on the availability in the Rio Grande River.
The debate over the treaty and its implications continues to be a point of contention, with significant consequences for cross-border relations and the economy of the southern United States. As the situation develops, both nations are expected to seek a resolution that satisfies their interests and obligations under international law.
