President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 5% tariff on imports from Mexico if the country does not release water that needs to flow under a historical treaty, intensifying tensions with a key trading partner.
On Monday, Trump stated on social media, “I have authorized documentation to impose a 5% Tariff on Mexico if this water isn’t released, IMMEDIATELY. The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt. Mexico has an obligation to FIX THIS NOW.”
The urgency revolves around the need for Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet of water by December 31st, with further deliveries required shortly thereafter. The U.S. government emphasizes that Mexico is currently 865,000 acre-feet short of its obligations under a 1944 treaty that governs water sharing.
The controversy is particularly acute for farmers in South Texas, and the Trump administration aims to press Mexican authorities on their commitments. The U.S. State Department reported last month that officials from both nations had convened to discuss how Mexico could address the shortfall in water deliveries.
Trump asserted that the water dispute is adversely affecting communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, coinciding with his administration’s announcement of a $12 billion aid package for farmers impacted by his tariff policies.
“As of now, Mexico is not responding, and it is very unfair to our U.S. Farmers who deserve this much needed water,” Trump remarked.
Previously, Trump had imposed tariffs on Mexican imports not covered by the USMCA trade agreement, a move he claimed was aimed at pressuring the country to combat fentanyl trafficking. Mexican officials have been seeking to negotiate a reduction of these tariffs, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum meeting Trump last week during a World Cup draw event in Washington.
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