A breakthrough has been achieved in the contentious water dispute between Mexico and the United States, as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged an “immediate water delivery” to struggling farmers in South Texas. The commitment comes after mounting pressure from U.S. officials, including a threat of new tariffs from President Donald Trump.
The 81-year-old water-sharing treaty between the two countries has been at the center of the dispute, with Mexico failing to meet its obligations under the agreement. According to the treaty, Mexico is required to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet (AF) of water over a five-year cycle; however, by the end of 2024, Mexico had delivered less than 30% of the required water since October 2020.
Sheinbaum’s announcement follows a series of escalating tensions between the two nations, with Trump threatening to implement retaliatory tariffs and sanctions against Mexico due to its ongoing failure to deliver water. In a social media post, Trump wrote, “This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly. Last year, the only Sugar Mill in Texas CLOSED, because Mexico has been stealing the water from Texas Farmers.”
The dispute has had severe economic implications for farmers in South Texas, with an estimated loss of nearly $1 billion in 2023 alone. To mitigate the effects, a $280 million grant program was launched to provide direct payments to farmers in eligible counties who experienced water delivery losses in 2023 and 2024.
Sheinbaum stated that Mexico’s inability to deliver water is due to its own drought-related issues, with more than four years of drought affecting the region. However, she expressed hope for an agreement between the two countries that would allow the treaty to be fulfilled.
“I don’t think it will be a source of conflict,” Sheinbaum said, adding that Mexico expects to reach an agreement in the coming days.
The immediate water delivery promised by Sheinbaum is seen as a significant step towards resolving the dispute and fulfilling Mexico’s obligations under the treaty. The development has brought relief to struggling farmers in South Texas and has the potential to alleviate economic losses incurred due to the ongoing drought.
Source: Houston Public Media
