U.S. President Donald Trump has raised alarms by threatening Mexico with sanctions and tariffs over a dispute concerning water distribution as outlined in a 1944 treaty.
Trump claims that Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water, a breach he says is depriving South Texas farmers of vital resources.
This statement, published on his Truth Social platform, has sparked a wave of reactions on both sides of the border.
The 1944 treaty obligates Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande to the United States every five years.
However, data from the International Boundary and Water Commission indicates that, in the current cycle ending in October, Mexico has delivered less than 30% of the agreed amount.
Trump accused the neighboring country of violating the agreement and stated that his Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, is leading efforts to defend Texas farmers, warning of «escalating consequences» if Mexico fails to comply.
Mexico’s response was swift. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on X that Mexico has complied “as much as water availability allows,” citing three years of drought as a limiting factor.
She also revealed that her government sent a proposal to the United States on Wednesday to address the water supply issue, including short-term actions. “I am confident that, as with other matters, we will reach an agreement,” Sheinbaum wrote, expressing willingness to engage in dialogue.
Sobre el comunicado que recientemente publicó el presidente Trump, informo lo siguiente:
El día de ayer fue enviada al subsecretario del Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos una propuesta integral para atender el envío de agua a Texas dentro del tratado de 1944, que incluye…
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) April 11, 2025
History is not on Mexico’s side. In 2020, a standoff at the La Boquilla Dam in Chihuahua resulted in the death of a protester after clashes with Mexico’s National Guard over the water transfers to Texas.
Currently, Mexico has offered to send 122,000 acre-feet and is considering the delivery of an additional 81,000, but this still amounts to less than 40% of the debt, according to a Mexican official quoted by Reuters.
This conflict risks escalating into a trade war, especially in light of Trump’s recent policies of imposing tariffs on countries such as Canada and China.
Known for his skill in high-stakes negotiations, Trump appears to be setting the pace. His tariff threat is not just a warning—it’s a tactic he has successfully used in the past to pressure trade partners.
Mexico, under mounting pressure, will need to act quickly to avoid a larger conflict.
With his focus on results, Trump is leading the talks with a firm hand, determined to ensure that every promised drop of water reaches Texas.
Negotiations are just beginning, but the message is clear: the president will not back down.
About The Author
Joana Campos
Joana Campos es abogada y editora con más de 10 años de experiencia en la gestión de proyectos de desarrollo internacional, enfocada en la sostenibilidad y el impacto social positivo. Anteriormente, trabajó como abogada corporativa. Egresada de la Universidad de Guadalajara.
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Joana Campos is a lawyer and editor with over 10 years of experience in managing international development projects, focused on sustainability and positive social impact. Previously, she worked as a corporate lawyer. She is a graduate of the University of Guadalajara.
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