Mexico negotiating with its northern states to send more water to US

16/4/2025 6:15

Mexico's federal government is negotiating with its northern states to send more water to the United States, the country's president said on Tuesday, after its historic shortfall led President Donald Trump to threaten tariffs and sanctions.



Mexico is scrambling for solutions after falling critically behind on its obligatory deliveries to the U.S. under an 81-year-old water-sharing treaty.



"Talks are under way with the governors of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Chihuahua to reach a joint agreement to determine how much water can be delivered ... without affecting Mexican producers, while also complying with the 1944 treaty," Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in her daily press conference.



Reuters reported last week that Mexico will likely enforce an amendment inserted into the treaty last year that empowers Mexican federal officials to take extra water from its states to comply with obligations, though it is likely to face resistance from state governments.