Overview
- Mexico began releasing 249.163 million cubic meters of water the week of December 15 under a bilateral understanding announced by the Foreign Ministry.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum said the deliveries will not use water Mexico does not have or jeopardize human consumption or agricultural production.
- The approach uses CILA/IBWC mechanisms, including Acta 331, which allows conditional use of the San Juan and Álamo rivers through 2029.
- U.S. pressure, including public 5% tariff threats by President Donald Trump, accelerated negotiations to regularize treaty balances.
- Advisers and analysts warn drought and faster releases could strain northern states and reignite farmer protests that may delay 30–35% of exports, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.