A contentious water-sharing dispute between the US and Mexico has escalated tensions, prompting tariff threats and straining a decades-old treaty.
The failure of Mexico to meet its water-sharing obligations under the 81-year-old treaty has sparked a diplomatic spat with the US, prompting tariff threats and escalating tensions between the two nations.
The relationship between the United States and Mexico is complex and multifaceted, spanning over two centuries.
The two countries share a 1,954-mile border, making them each other's largest trading partners.
Historically, tensions have arisen due to issues like 'immigration' , trade disputes, and security concerns.
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was established in 1994, aimed at promoting economic cooperation.
In 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA, focusing on digital trade and labor standards.
Despite challenges, bilateral relations continue to evolve, with a focus on cooperation on issues like counter-narcotics efforts and climate change mitigation.
The 1944 treaty outlines water sharing between the US and Mexico through a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs. Mexico is required to send 1.75m acre-feet of water to the US every five years from the Rio Grande, an amount equivalent to about half an Olympic swimming pool.
Mexico’s failure to meet its water delivery obligations has led to concerns that the dispute could drag into trade negotiations. In response, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced that the country will make an immediate water delivery to Texas farmers to help alleviate the shortfall. The proposal was previously sent to US officials.
Sheinbaum stated that the water delivery will be based on the availability of water in the Rio Grande, with a specific number of millions of cubic meters to be provided. This move aims to address the concerns of Texas farmers who rely on the water deliveries and have been affected by Mexico’s failure to meet its obligations.
Despite Sheinbaum’s assurances that Mexico is complying with the treaty based on water availability, data from the International Boundary and Water Commission shows that the country has sent less than 30% of the required water. The situation has raised concerns about potential conflicts between Mexican federal officials and northern states over water supply.
The US has rejected Mexico’s request for water, and tensions are escalating with Donald Trump threatening to escalate consequences, including tariffs or sanctions on Mexico. The dispute highlights the growing concern that trade negotiations may be impacted by the treaty dispute.
Sheinbaum expressed confidence in reaching an agreement in the coming days, stating that she did not see further conflict. However, the situation remains tense, and the future of the water-sharing treaty between the US and Mexico hangs in the balance.
- theguardian.com | Mexico to send water to Texas farmers as US treaty threat grows
