U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Mexico of breaching a decades-old water treaty and threatened tariffs and sanctions unless the country fulfills its obligations. The dispute centers on the 1944 Water Treaty, which requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of Rio Grande water to the U.S. every five years. As the current cycle ends in October, Mexico has sent less than 30% of the required water, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed, “Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water” and is “stealing from Texas farmers.” He warned that the U.S. would escalate consequences until the treaty is honored, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins leading the effort.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded, stating Mexico is complying “to the extent water is available” amid a severe three-year drought. She noted a proposal was submitted to U.S. officials, and key Mexican ministries have been tasked with resolving the issue.
The treaty, which also mandates the U.S. to supply Mexico with Colorado River water—an obligation mostly fulfilled—allows flexibility during droughts. Mexican officials argue climate change, poor infrastructure, and rising domestic demand have hindered their ability to meet the quota.
U.S. politicians, particularly from Texas, argue Mexico’s expanding agriculture sector, including cattle and pecan farms, worsens the crisis and harms Texan farmers. In 2020, tensions escalated when a protest over water deliveries turned deadly at the Boquilla dam in Chihuahua.
To ease tensions, Mexico plans to send an additional 122,000 acre-feet and is exploring options for another 81,000 acre-feet. However, this would still account for less than 40% of its total commitment. The issue now threatens to spill into broader trade talks, heightening cross-border tensions.