Former US President Donald Trump has threatened Mexico with tariffs and sanctions for its failure to deliver the agreed-upon amount of water under the 1944 US-Mexico Water Treaty. Mexico attributes its shortfall to a severe drought affecting the northern region, particularly Chihuahua state. Trump demands that Mexico fulfill its obligation of supplying more than 1.52 billion cubic meters of water to Texas farmers.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by stating that a proposal for addressing the water delivery to Texas has been sent to the US State Department, highlighting ongoing efforts to find a solution. She emphasized that despite the drought, Mexico has been complying with the treaty to the extent of its water availability.
Under the treaty, the US is obligated to supply 1.85 billion cubic meters of water from the Colorado River annually, while Mexico should provide 2.185 billion cubic meters from the Rio Grande over five-year cycles. Mexico currently has a significant deficit. The severe drought has reduced the capacity of key reservoirs (Amistad and FalcĂłn) to 21% and 12%, respectively. A previous agreement, reached in November 2024, aimed to provide Mexico with more flexibility in water delivery. However, the US has previously withheld water to Tijuana due to Mexico's failure to meet its obligations.
Texas has experienced economic losses estimated at $993 million annually due to the water shortage. The closure of Texas's only sugar mill is cited as a result of water scarcity. The threat of tariffs is seen as impacting Texas's agricultural sector.
Experts compare the current situation to a similar crisis in 1997. They highlight that unless significant rainfall occurs, the water scarcity could persist for years.