Mexico has reaffirmed its commitment to send additional water to the United States despite threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose 5% tariffs on Mexican imports if the country does not meet its water obligations.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico plans to begin a new series of water deliveries from the Rio Grande River this month, with further shipments scheduled over the coming years. These plans are part of ongoing discussions with U.S. officials to ensure compliance with the 1944 Mexico-U.S. water treaty, which governs water distribution from six tributaries shared by the two countries.

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Mexico’s Water Obligations

Under the treaty, Mexico is required to deliver 1.7 million acre-feet of water to the United States every five years, averaging approximately 350,000 acre-feet annually. An acre-foot is the volume of water needed to cover one acre of land to a depth of one foot.

Mexico has fallen behind on these deliveries in recent years due to severe droughts and limitations in pipeline and irrigation infrastructure. President Sheinbaum emphasized that the Mexican government has the intention and capability to fulfill these commitments, despite ongoing challenges.

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Trump’s Tariff Threat

President Trump has criticized Mexico for its water shortfall, claiming it has adversely affected farmers in Texas. On social media, Trump warned that he would enforce a 5% tariff increase on all Mexican imports if Mexico did not release 200,000 acre-feet of water before December 31, 2025, with the remainder to follow soon after.

This is not the first time Trump has threatened tariffs over water disputes; similar warnings were issued in April 2025, highlighting tensions between the two countries over the Rio Grande water treaty.

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Mexico’s Response

President Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico is committed to resolving the water shortfall through dialogue and cooperation. She also noted that historical agreements between the two countries have successfully addressed water disputes in the past and expressed optimism that a mutually acceptable solution can be reached again.

“We have the best intention to deliver the amount of water that is owed from previous years,” Sheinbaum said. “Our goal is to support U.S. farmers while respecting Mexico’s infrastructure and environmental limitations.”

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Implications for U.S. Agriculture and Trade

Failure to meet water delivery commitments could have serious consequences for agriculture in Texas and might intensify trade tensions between the two nations. The U.S. relies on these deliveries to sustain crops and livestock in key farming regions along the Rio Grande.

Analysts note that while tariffs are a powerful tool, cooperative water management remains the most sustainable solution, ensuring both countries maintain access to critical water resources and prevent environmental and economic damage.