Trump Proposes Tariffs on Mexico Due to Water Crisis Impacting Texas Farmers

President Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions on Mexico over water shortages affecting South Texas farmers, rooted in violations of the 1944 Water Treaty. He emphasizes the treaty’s obligations and the detrimental impact on agriculture, while Texas groups warn of a severe farming crisis due to these disputes. Senator Cruz is actively supporting efforts to ensure compliance from Mexico.

President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to impose tariffs and potential sanctions on Mexico if it continues to deprive South Texas farmers of water allocated under a longstanding treaty. According to Trump’s statement on Truth Social, Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water as per the 1944 Water Treaty, which he claims Mexico is currently violating.

The President emphasized the detrimental impact on South Texas farmers, noting that the only sugar mill in Texas had closed due to these water shortages. Furthermore, Trump criticized President Biden for not assisting farmers in their plight while vowing to ensure that Mexico honors its treaty obligations.

Trump highlighted recent actions taken to address this matter, including the cessation of water shipments to Tijuana until compliance with the treaty is achieved. He stated that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is actively supporting Texas farmers and that consequences, including tariffs and possibly sanctions, will escalate until Mexico meets its obligations under the treaty.

Texas agricultural groups have voiced concerns about dire consequences that may follow from ongoing water disputes, particularly for the citrus and sugar industries, which are facing historic drought conditions. They warn that the worst season in nearly three decades could be on the horizon.

The 1944 Water Treaty mandates that Mexico allocate 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande to the United States over a five-year cycle, which is critical for Texas’ citrus industry, one of the largest in the nation. The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs recently denied Mexico’s request for additional water deliveries to Tijuana due to persistent shortfalls in their treaty obligations, further stressing U.S. agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley.

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has labeled the current situation a “man-made crisis” and is championing efforts in the Senate to ensure that Mexico adheres to the treaty. He has publicly supported the Trump administration’s measures to apply pressure on Mexico and facilitate water access for Texas farmers.

The ongoing dispute over water allocation between Mexico and Texas highlights the significant implications for local farmers. President Trump’s threats of tariffs and sanctions reflect an urgent need to resolve the compliance issues surrounding the 1944 Water Treaty. With Texas agriculture facing severe challenges, particularly due to drought, the emphasis on accountability from Mexico is essential. Senator Cruz’s involvement further underscores the bipartisan concern for Texas farmers’ plight amid this crisis.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com