Trump Threatens Tariffs and Sanctions Against Mexico Over Water Dispute
President Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions on Mexico for not providing Texas farmers with water as outlined in the 1944 Water Treaty. This situation is negatively impacting agricultural operations in South Texas. Senator Ted Cruz has also emphasized the water crisis facing the region due to Mexico’s non-compliance with the treaty obligations.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to impose tariffs and possible sanctions on Mexico if it does not adhere to its water obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump indicated that Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water, which he claims has not been delivered, adversely affecting South Texas farmers.
He articulated that the ongoing situation has severely harmed agricultural operations, including the only sugar mill in Texas, which reportedly closed due to water shortages. Trump accused the current administration of failing to protect the interests of Texas farmers and pledged to take measures to ensure treaty compliance.
Trump highlighted a recent action where he halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations. He stated intentions to escalate consequences, including tariffs and potential sanctions, until the matter is resolved in favor of Texas farmers.
Texas farm groups have raised alarms regarding the potential for a disastrous season driven by ongoing disputes related to the treaty. The water-sharing agreement, which mandates that Mexico provide 1.75 million acre-feet of water over a five-year cycle, is critical, especially given the increasing severity of drought conditions affecting the region.
The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs has recently denied Mexico’s request for additional water deliveries to Tijuana, noting that Mexico’s failure to meet its treaty obligations was detrimental to American agriculture. Texas’s citrus industry, valued at half a billion dollars, stands particularly vulnerable as it relies on these crucial water resources.
Senator Ted Cruz has also voiced concerns regarding the water crisis in South Texas, labeling it a “man-made crisis.” He reiterated his commitment to ensure that Mexico adheres to the treaty to prevent further hardships for Texas farmers, advocating for the Trump administration to apply pressure on Mexico for compliance.
In summary, President Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions against Mexico due to its failure to deliver promised water to Texas farmers under the 1944 Water Treaty. Both he and Senator Cruz are advocating for stronger measures to enforce compliance with the treaty amid rising concerns about agricultural impacts in Texas, particularly in regard to the citrus industry. The ongoing drought exacerbates the situation, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
