Overview
- Trump says approvals are in place to levy a 5% tariff if Mexico does not release water immediately, with a Dec. 31 target for a partial transfer.
- He alleges Mexico withheld nearly one billion cubic meters over five years and demands roughly a quarter of that volume by year-end.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum rejects claims of treaty breach and attributes shortfalls to prolonged dryness in the Rio Grande basin.
- Sheinbaum says Mexico intends to send some water this month with additional deliveries in coming years, though not on the accelerated timetable Trump demands.
- The dispute lands during a USMCA review and has drawn pressure from Texas lawmakers and farmers, raising concerns about broader trade repercussions.