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Mexico, U.S. Trade Proposals on Rio Grande Deliveries as Trump Threatens 5% Tariff

Talks continue over delivery constraints under treaty drought provisions cited by Mexico.

Overview

  • After a virtual session on Tuesday, both sides exchanged proposals on water deliveries and scheduled another meeting for Wednesday, with no final agreement yet.
  • President Donald Trump demands at least 200,000 acre-feet be delivered by December 31 and threatens a 5% tariff on Mexican imports, pairing the pressure with a $12 billion farm aid plan.
  • Mexico acknowledges an unpaid balance of roughly 1,000 million cubic meters from the 2020–2025 cycle but cites the 1944 treaty’s extraordinary drought clause to carry deficits forward.
  • President Claudia Sheinbaum says 2025 deliveries rose with rainfall and that immediate transfers are limited by reservoir levels and conduit capacity, prioritizing human consumption and border communities.
  • Officials report ongoing coordination with border-state governors and note a U.S. delegation, including Defense and domestic security representatives, will visit Mexico on December 11 for further coordination.