Building on December's initial accord, Mexico and the US agreed to a minimum annual Rio Grande water supply of 350,000 acre-feet, addressing drought deficits and past shortfalls under the 1944 Water Treaty. The deal follows a call between Presidents Sheinbaum and Trump, with plans for debt repayment and monthly oversight to support border communities.
Following the December 2025 agreement for an immediate water release that averted a US tariff threat, Mexico and the United States announced a new accord on Rio Grande deliveries. Mexico commits to at least 350,000 acre-feet (431.7 million cubic meters) annually during the current five-year cycle of the 1944 Water Treaty, stabilizing agriculture in the US Lower Rio Grande Valley.
The deal stems from a recent phone call between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and US President Donald Trump, focusing on long-term water management. Mexico will also provide a detailed plan to resolve the previous cycle's deficit exceeding 986.4 million cubic meters. Both sides agreed to monthly meetings for compliance.
US Ambassador Ronald Johnson praised the agreement as proof of effective bilateral cooperation. Under the treaty, Mexico supplies 2,185 million cubic meters from the Rio Grande over five years, in exchange for US deliveries from the Colorado River.
This builds on heightened tensions, including Trump's December tariff warning, amid northern Mexico's drought. The accord promotes sustainable solutions for shared border resources.
