Rivian Stockpiled EV Batteries From Asia Ahead of Trump Tariffs

Rivian Automotive Inc. quietly built a reserve of electric-vehicle batteries from Asia ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, giving the company a measure of insurance against the upheaval in trade policy now pressuring the automotive supply chain.

The EV maker directly acquired a supply of lithium iron phosphate cells from China’s Gotion High-Tech Co. late last year, ahead of the US election, according to people familiar with the matter.

More recently, the company worked with cell supplier Samsung SDI to move a large amount of battery inventory to the US from South Korea, said the people, asking not to ...