Mexico Agrees to Water Deliveries to U.S., Averting Trump's Tariff Threats

Historic Water Agreement Reached

Mexico and the United States have reached a critical understanding regarding water deliveries, with Mexico committing to release 202,000 acre-feet of water to its northern neighbor. This agreement, announced on December 12, 2025, comes as Mexico fulfills its obligations under the long-standing 1944 Water Treaty and successfully averts threatened tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump. Deliveries are anticipated to commence the week of December 15, 2025, with both nations working towards finalizing a comprehensive plan by January 31, 2026.

Context of the 1944 Water Treaty

The 1944 Water Treaty, officially known as the 'Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande,' governs the allocation of shared water resources between Mexico and the United States. Under this treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. over a five-year cycle, averaging 350,000 acre-feet annually, primarily from the Rio Grande and its tributaries. In reciprocity, the U.S. delivers 1.5 million acre-feet of water annually to Mexico from the Colorado River. The agreement is overseen by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).

Averting Tariff Threats and Addressing Deficits

The recent agreement was spurred by significant pressure from the U.S. administration. President Donald Trump had explicitly threatened to impose a 5% tariff on Mexican products if the outstanding water debt was not addressed. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins emphasized President Trump's commitment to holding international partners accountable, stating, 'President Trump continues to put American farmers first and is finally holding our international partners accountable to their obligations and commitments.' The 202,000 acre-feet delivery is intended to address both current obligations and a deficit accumulated from previous water cycles, which has severely impacted farmers in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Challenges and Bilateral Cooperation

Mexico has faced challenges in meeting its treaty obligations, largely due to prolonged drought conditions, particularly in the state of Chihuahua, and local protests from farmers concerned about their own water supply. The Rio Conchos, a major tributary to the Rio Grande, has been a focal point of these disputes. Despite these internal challenges, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed her country's intention to deliver the owed water, acknowledging the importance of the bilateral relationship. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Mexican Foreign Ministry confirmed the understanding, highlighting a commitment to strengthening water management within the framework of the 1944 Water Treaty.