President Donald Trump threatened a 5% additional tariff on Mexican exports if Mexico fails to deliver owed water to Texas by December 31. The warning comes after a cordial meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum at the 2026 World Cup draw. Sheinbaum stated Mexico has the resources to meet its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.
Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Mexico owes over 800,000 acre-feet of water (986 million cubic meters) to the United States for failing to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty over the last five years. He demanded the release of 200,000 acre-feet (246 million cubic meters) by December 31, with the rest soon after, to prevent harm to Texas farmers and livestock. "Mexico has the obligation to FIX THIS NOW," Trump wrote, authorizing documentation for a new 5% tariff if unmet.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, in her October 1 conference, assured Mexico has sufficient resources due to expected rains and agreements with governors of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. The National Water Commission (Conagua) committed 2.157 million cubic meters in October, though exact deliveries were not detailed. Under the treaty, Mexico receives 4.317 billion cubic meters from the Rio Grande every five years, while the US gets 2.158 billion; from the Colorado River, Mexico receives 1.85 billion annually from US territory.
This tension contrasts with Trump's recent meeting with Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. Trump described the 30-minute encounter as "very productive," focused on trade. Sheinbaum called it "very good" and cordial, with Trump being "very kind and respectful." They discussed sports: Trump asked about soccer teams and hockey, admitting little knowledge of football. Though no progress was made on trade issues, they agreed to continue working and appoint representatives, viewing the World Cup as a positive setting for T-MEC review.