The United States and Mexico have reached a landmark agreement to settle the long‑standing Rio Grande water dispute, ensuring compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty and easing tensions along the Texas border.
Mexico City/Washington, December 13, 2025 — After months of escalating tensions, the governments of the United States and Mexico announced a deal to resolve the dispute over water deliveries from the Rio Grande. The agreement comes just days after President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on Mexican goods if treaty obligations were not met.
Under the deal, Mexico will deliver an additional 202,000 acre‑feet of water beginning the week of December 15, with a broader distribution plan to be finalized by the end of January. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that the arrangement will cover both current obligations and previous deficits owed to Texas farmers.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that the agreement seeks to “strengthen water management in the Rio Grande basin” within the framework of the 1944 Water Treaty, which requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre‑feet of water over five years.
The dispute had intensified in recent weeks, with U.S. officials accusing Mexico of failing to meet its commitments, while Mexican leaders insisted they were negotiating in good faith. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration hailed the deal as a step toward regional cooperation, balancing domestic water needs with international obligations.
Farmers in Texas welcomed the resolution, noting that reliable water supplies are critical for agriculture in the drought‑stricken region. Analysts say the deal not only averts trade retaliation but also reinforces the importance of cross‑border collaboration in managing shared natural resources.
The agreement marks a significant diplomatic achievement, easing bilateral tensions and reaffirming the role of the treaty as a cornerstone of U.S.–Mexico relations.
Source: El Financiero
