FOXNews Politics | 02:43 09-12-2025 | Politics
President Trump has issued a warning of implementing a 5% tariff on Mexico, a consequence of an ongoing disagreement over a water treaty. This issue between the two countries arises from Mexico's failure to release 200,000 acre-feet of water, a non-compliance to a 1944 treaty regulating water sharing from the trans-boundary rivers that flow through both nations. The water is earmarked to aid struggling farmers in Texas, specifically for crop irrigation.
The tariff threat resonates with the previous actions by Trump's administration to influence Mexico's policies. In May 2019, Trump threatened a 5% tariff on all goods from Mexico unless it took measures to curb immigration into the United States. Following this posture, the new tariff threat is an attempt to exert leverage over Mexico and urge them to honor the water treaty obligations.
The U.S. and Mexico have carried longstanding tensions over water demands and the sharing of cross-border rivers. The current situation only adds fuel to the pre-existing disputes, possibly causing future frictions as well. With agricultural communities on the verge of severe damage due to water scarcity, this spill over political scenario is putting at stake the livelihoods of numerous farmers.
As of now, Mexico has until December 31st to release the requested amount of water. The potential 5% tariff imposition may lead to serious economic impacts, considering the depth of trade ties between the USA and Mexico. Yet, the result of these pressures remains to be seen. Whether Mexico will meet the deadline and the subsequent action if they fail to do so, is a matter of speculation.