Former President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Mexico, threatening to impose an additional 5% tariff unless the country provides essential water supplies to U.S. farmers. This ultimatum stems from allegations that Mexico has violated a water-sharing treaty, prompting concerns over agricultural impacts in Texas.

Water Sharing Agreement
Under the 1944 treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the United States from the Rio Grande every five years. Trump claims that Mexico currently owes the U.S. 800,000 acre-feet due to non-compliance over the last five years. He has demanded that Mexico release 200,000 acre-feet by December 31 and more shortly thereafter, citing urgent needs for crops and livestock in Texas.

Impact on Agriculture
The former president emphasized the dire consequences of the water shortage, stating that U.S. farmers are suffering due to Mexico's failure to meet its obligations. He characterized the situation as "very unfair" and indicated that he has authorized documentation to implement the tariff if Mexico does not respond promptly. The economic implications of such a tariff could significantly affect trade relations between the two nations.

Mexico's Response
As of now, there has been no official response from Mexico's economy ministry regarding Trump's threats. However, Mexico has previously cited drought conditions that have severely limited its water resources. In April, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins mentioned that Mexico had agreed to increase its water shipments to Texas to address the shortfall, suggesting that negotiations were ongoing.

Wrap-up
Trump's ultimatum adds a new layer of complexity to U.S.-Mexico relations, particularly in the context of agricultural sustainability and resource management. The potential for a tariff could escalate tensions, impacting not only farmers but also broader economic ties between the two countries.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team