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Trump Threatens 5% Tariff on Mexico Over Water Treaty, Demands 200,000 Acre-Feet by Dec. 31

Mexico cites treaty rules that allow shortfalls to be repaid in the next cycle due to years of drought.

Overview

  • In a Truth Social post, the president said Mexico owes more than 800,000 acre-feet over the past five years and argued the shortfall is harming Texas farmers and ranchers.
  • He said he has authorized paperwork to impose the tariff if the requested water is not released immediately.
  • Mexican water authorities point to the 1944 treaty’s five-year framework and its flexibility for extraordinary drought, with basin councils citing an October 24, 2030 window to replenish the deficit.
  • The International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA/IBWC) remains the binational body responsible for monitoring and adjudicating treaty compliance.
  • The administration also announced a $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins indicating payments would begin on February 28, 2026.