As trade tensions and climate challenges collide, the U.S. has pressured Mexico to increase water deliveries to Texas under a decades-old treaty, threatening new tariffs if demands aren’t met. The move comes despite Mexico grappling with a severe three-year drought that has strained its own water reserves.
A Tug-of-War Between Trade and Scarcity
The 1944 U.S.-Mexico water treaty requires Mexico to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. every five years, with Texas farmers relying heavily on these allocations. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai warned last week that tariffs on Mexican goods could be imposed unless compliance improves, citing "unfulfilled obligations."
Mexican officials, however, emphasize that drought conditions have reduced inflow to the Rio Grande basin by 25% since 2020. "We cannot allocate water we do not have," said Héctor Méndez, Mexico’s water commission director, noting that key reservoirs are at critical lows.
Ripple Effects Across Borders
The dispute reflects growing climate-driven conflicts over shared resources. Texas agricultural groups argue delayed water transfers risk crop failures, while Mexican states like Chihuahua face protests over prioritizing international commitments over local needs. Analysts warn the standoff could strain bilateral relations and disrupt supply chains, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
