Amid the crisis due to the lack of agreed water delivery, President Trump threatened again to impose tariffs and sanctions on Mexico. It was argued that this non-compliance severely harms agricultural activities in Texas and, therefore, the economy of the region.
Initially, the Mexican government pointed out the impossibility of fulfilling the committed water delivery due to a severe drought affecting the northern part of the country, especially in states like Coahuila, Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, and Chihuahua. Despite attempts to reach an agreement to postpone compliance with the treaty, Claudia Sheinbaum's government finally yielded to Trump's pressures.
In her speeches, the president of Mexico has reiterated the sovereignty of the country and her refusal to accept external pressures. She assured that she would seek an agreement with the governors of border states to define the terms of water deliveries, according to resource availability.
Now, Mexico has again yielded to American pressures by committing to deliver significant volumes of water. The recent agreement involves immediate actions to reduce the deficit in water deliveries before October.
Amid the water crisis affecting Mexico, this agreement could jeopardize the water supply for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use. The lack of a comprehensive plan in the country to address this issue exacerbates the situation.
The bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States has historically been marked by territorial conflicts, foreign interventions, and disputes over various issues. Currently, tensions due to the non-compliance with the water treaty add a new facet to a complex relationship. The Mexican government has faced criticisms and external pressures, highlighting the fragility of the country's position regarding its northern neighbor.
