Water Wars: Mexico and the U.S. Clash Over Rio Grande Resources

Mexican and U.S. officials are negotiating water deliveries under a contentious treaty. U.S. President Trump accused Mexico of breaching the agreement and threatened tariffs if unmet by year-end. Mexican President Sheinbaum aims for resolution amid drought challenges, affecting U.S. trade and environmental relations.

Mexican officials are set to engage in negotiations with their U.S. counterparts on Tuesday regarding deliveries under a strained water treaty, which has once again escalated diplomatic tensions between the two trading partners. The friction has been exacerbated by tariff threats from the U.S. if Mexico fails to comply with the agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump accused Mexico of breaching the 81-year-old treaty dictating water sharing between the nations, threatening to impose an additional 5% tariff on Mexican goods if 200,000 acre-feet of water is not delivered before December 31. The treaty mandates Mexico to provide 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. every five years.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, set to meet virtually with U.S. officials, anticipates resolving the dispute. However, challenges persist due to Mexico's own water needs and environmental factors. The situation complicates the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact and raises concerns over regional agricultural impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)