Mexico Faces 5% US Tariff Threat in Water Sharing Row

President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose an additional 5% tariff on Mexico if it does not immediately provide more water to aid U.S. farmers, accusing Mexico of violating a treaty that governs water sharing between the two countries. 

Under the treaty, Mexico is required to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande to the U.S. every five years through a network of dams and reservoirs. Trump stated on social media that Mexico owes the U.S. 800,000 acre-feet of water due to violations over the past five years. He demanded Mexico release 200,000 acre-feet by December 31, with the remainder to follow soon after. Trump emphasized that the water shortage is damaging crops and livestock in Texas. 

He criticized Mexico for not responding and claimed it is unfair to U.S. farmers who need the water. Trump declared that if Mexico fails to release the water immediately, he has authorized a 5% tariff. A spokesperson for Mexico’s economy ministry did not immediately comment.

In April, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins mentioned that Mexico had agreed to increase water shipments to Texas to compensate for a shortfall under the 1944 treaty. Mexico, however, argues that drought conditions have strained its water resources, complicating its commitments. 

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The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over water rights amid environmental and political challenges, with the U.S. emphasizing the importance of fulfilling treaty obligations to support its agricultural sector.