Texas legislators are pressuring the Donald Trump Administration to include a demand in tariff negotiations with Mexico that the neighboring country comply with water distribution at the border, amid a severe water shortage affecting the state.
In particular, it is highlighted that last year a sugar factory in the Valley was forced to close due to a lack of water. State Democratic Congresswoman Erin Elizabeth Gámez emphasized that the region is facing serious economic consequences due to Mexico's non-compliance with the 1944 water treaty, at a time when trade tensions between both nations are intensifying.
Calculations from Texas A&M University estimate losses in South Texas due to the lack of irrigation water at about 993 million dollars annually. Meanwhile, state Republican Senator Adam Hinojosa has presented a decree urging the government of Claudia Sheinbaum to comply with a bilateral agreement signed 80 years ago.
The decree demands that the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission take action to ensure that Mexico complies with the 1944 Water Treaty, highlighting that Mexico has failed to meet its obligations in the last three decades, which has had significant economic consequences in South Texas.
In this context, some Texas legislators propose using water delivery as a pressure element in the bilateral relationship with Mexico, with the aim of benefiting Texas farmers facing difficulties due to the drought. Initiatives to improve water distribution infrastructure in the state are also being considered.
Experts mentioned in the news emphasize that both Mexico and the U.S. are suffering the effects of drought and overuse of water. Although water quotas are established in an international agreement, current conditions in the basin make it difficult to meet those requirements.
Finally, it is noted that the Mexican government has not yet formally responded to the request from Texas legislators, while President Sheinbaum has indicated that she will wait until April 2 to take action, the date when the United States will impose tariffs on Mexican metallic products.
