President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 5% tariff on Mexican imports unless Mexico fulfills its obligations to deliver water under the 1944 Rio Grande treaty. Mexican officials have cited ongoing drought conditions as a reason for the shortfall, complicating negotiations. Meanwhile, U.S. farmers in Texas warn that the reduced water supply is harming agriculture.
Trump stated that Mexico owes over 800,000 acre-feet of water and must release some before year-end or face penalties. Texas farming groups have urged enforcement.Trump wrote online, “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.”
Farmers Face Shortfall
Trump added, “The U.S needs Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet of water before December 31st, and the rest must come soon after. As of now, Mexico is not responding, and it is very unfair to our U.S. Farmers who deserve this much needed water.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum attributed reduced water deliveries to prolonged drought but affirmed Mexico’s commitment to the treaty.
The U.S. tied the water dispute to the USMCA review, warning that delays could strain trade. Trump wrote, “Mexico has an obligation to FIX THIS NOW.”
