TRUMP threatens to raise tariffs on Mexico over Rio Grande water deliveries

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 -Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Mexico, citing what he described as Mexico’s failure to deliver sufficient water from the Rio Grande under a decades‑old water‑sharing agreement.

Trump claims Mexico currently “owes” the United States approximately 800,000 acre‑feet of water. He demanded that Mexico release 200,000 acre‑feet by December 31 and warned that, if that amount is not delivered, the U.S. will immediately impose a 5 percent tariff on Mexican imports — a move he argues is necessary to protect U.S. farmers whose crops and livestock have suffered from the water shortage.

The announcement has stirred tensions across diplomatic and trade lines. While the water‑sharing agreement obligates Mexico to supply a specific volume of Rio Grande water over a five‑year cycle, Mexico has pointed to prolonged drought and water scarcity as obstacles, arguing it has delivered as much as possible under the circumstances.