The United States announced a new water delivery agreement with Mexico on Tuesday, following months of tension over Mexico's non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty and pressure from President Donald Trump, who threatened to impose tariffs on the neighboring country. According to a joint statement from the U.S. Departments of State and Agriculture, Mexico committed to delivering a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water per year, equivalent to 431.7 million cubic meters, during the current five-year cycle established by the treaty. U.S. officials stated that this agreement aims to provide stability to agricultural producers and rural communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, a key region for agricultural production in South Texas. The announcement came after a telephone conversation last week between Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, in which both leaders reached an agreement. to resolve the conflict.

“The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving long-standing challenges in water management and supporting communities and producers on both sides of the border,” the official statement highlights.

Pressures and threat of tariffs

Last December, Trump had warned that he could impose a 5% tariff on Mexican products if the country did not comply with the water deliveries stipulated in the 1944 Water Treaty, which regulates the use of the Colorado, Rio Grande, and Conchos rivers, which flow through both countries.

According to this agreement, the United States must send Mexico 1.85 billion cubic meters of water per year from the Colorado River, while Mexico must deliver 2.185 billion cubic meters from the Rio Grande in five-year cycles.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the agreement between the United States and Mexico to address water scarcity in Mexico is another example of how President Donald Trump delivers for the American people.

“This is a victory for American farmers and ranchers, and we thank President Claudia Sheinbaum for Mexico’s continued efforts to fulfill its responsibilities under the 1944 Water Treaty.”

Water Debt and Historic Drought

The U.S. government assured that Mexico will also present a detailed plan to pay off the water debt accumulated during the previous cycle. According to Trump, Mexico still owes more than 986 million cubic meters, a debt that has been exacerbated by a historic drought in the north of the country, which has significantly reduced reservoir levels.

The agreement represents a key step in easing diplomatic tensions and protecting the water supply for border communities and farmers in the United States, especially in Texas, where the issue has generated growing concern.