While the United States spared Mexico from ‘Liberation Day’ reciprocal tariffs, it hasn’t completely escaped pressure. President Donald Trump has warned that Mexico could face sanctions and tariffs due to an ongoing water dispute, alleging that the country is in breach of an 81-year-old water-sharing agreement with the U.S.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump proclaimed that Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, though Mexico was violating their obligation.
In a post, he mentioned, “Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation. This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly. Last year, the only Sugar Mill in Texas CLOSED, because Mexico has been stealing the water from Texas Farmers. Ted Cruz has been leading the fight to get South Texas the water it is owed, but Sleepy Joe refused to lift a finger to help the Farmers. THAT ENDS NOW!”
“I will make sure Mexico doesn’t violate our Treaties, and doesn’t hurt our Texas Farmers. Just last month, I halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies with the 1944 Water Treaty. My Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, is standing up for Texas Farmers, and we will keep escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED”, Trump further added in a post.
Last year, Texas agricultural groups sounded the alarm over a potentially devastating season for citrus and sugar crops, as U.S. and Mexican officials worked to settle a dispute regarding the 1944 water treaty that provides essential irrigation to American farmers.
Although disagreements over the treaty have arisen in the past, the recent drought-related water shortages marked the most critical in nearly three decades.
According to Newyork Post, the treaty, established to manage shared water resources, obligates Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande to the United States over a five-year period.
Mexico will “immediately deliver” millions of cubic meters of water to the US state of Texas, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday in response to US President Donald Trump’s complaint a day earlier.
