In the face of an ongoing drought and increasing pressure from the United States, Mexico is actively negotiating with its northern states to ensure the country can fulfill its water-sharing obligations under the 1944 water treaty. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that talks are underway with the governors of states along the U.S.-Mexico border, including Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Chihuahua. These discussions are critical as Mexico seeks to resolve the water delivery issues that have arisen due to the worsening drought conditions.

The water-sharing agreement, which has been in place for over 80 years, requires Mexico to supply the U.S. with 1.75 million acre-feet of water over a five-year cycle. However, due to severe drought and water scarcity in northern Mexico, the country has struggled to meet its commitments, with recent reports showing that only about 30% of the required water has been delivered.

The situation has prompted growing concern from the U.S., which has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican goods unless the water deliveries are met. This has placed additional pressure on the Mexican government to resolve the issue quickly, especially as the American Southwest also grapples with its own water scarcity challenges.

The negotiation process is delicate, with local state governments in northern Mexico needing to balance the water demands for both agricultural and domestic needs while fulfilling their international obligations. The agreement is seen as an essential element in U.S.-Mexico relations, and the outcome of these negotiations will likely have broader implications for cross-border cooperation on environmental and resource management issues.

As the talks continue, both countries are hoping for a resolution that addresses the growing concerns of water security while mitigating the negative effects of the ongoing drought on both sides of the border.