Antonio J. Rivera

Partner and Energy & Cleantech Industry Group Co-Leader

Antonio is a strategic partner in global trade and electric mobility, guiding businesses to confidently navigate the intricacies of complex supply chains and tariff mitigation strategies.

Antonio Rivera Portrait

Antonio leads the firm’s Tariff Task Force, Customs Practice, Electric Mobility Group, and Energy & Clean Tech Industry Group. His comprehensive understanding of US customs and trade rules, including free trade programs (e.g., USMCA) and special US tariffs (e.g., Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA, Reciprocal Tariffs), translate into an critical tariff mitigation strategies for clients across all industries, including the automotive, industrial manufacturing, clean technology, food and beverage, healthcare, consumer product, and energy industries.

Antonio’s experience with international trade rules and global supply chain strategies is honed through years of work advising clients across all sectors, and as a former US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) attorney in Washington. He works with companies ranging from small producers to large multinationals in various sectors, helping their company executives ask the right questions and build the right answers. Through his industry lead roles, he counsels numerous clients engaged in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of electric vehicles (EVs), from critical minerals and battery components to the finished vehicle and charging station infrastructure, among other clean technologies.

Antonio advises US and foreign manufacturers, importers, and exporters on various international trade matters affecting their production and supply chains. His multidisciplinary coverage of import compliance matters (e.g., origin, classification, valuation, drawback, audits, and penalties) and crossover regulatory issues (e.g., Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA), Buy America Waivers, Partner Government Agency requirements for FDA, EPA, NHTSA, TTB, among others), provides his clients with a holistic comprehension of the supply chain dynamics. His goal is to help companies achieve a competitive advantage while minimizing legal and regulatory risk exposures that are attendant in a global supply chain.

Earlier in his career, Antonio served as an attorney-advisor in the Office of Trade for CBP. Antonio received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School, and has bachelor of science degrees in Chemistry and Economics. Antonio is also fluent in Spanish.

Previous Work

Prior to joining ArentFox Schiff, Antonio worked for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as an attorney-advisor in the Office of Trade. During his time there, Antonio authored various rulings and decisions focusing on valuation issues, preferential treatment under NAFTA and all other trade programs, responsibilities which bring important insight for today’s USMCA and other US tariff applications. He also conducted trainings, assisted during litigation before the Court of International Trade, advised government agencies, and provided technical assistance to foreign customs administrations, with regard to various customs and trade issues. While in law school, Antonio served as a law clerk for the Office of Inspector General of the Export Import-Bank of the United States, working on various matters concerning the False Claims Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Professional Activities

Antonio is a member of the Customs Lawyers Association.

Publications, Presentations, & Recognitions

Antonio’s publications include:

Antonio’s speaking engagements include:

  • “The First 90 Days of the New Administration - Policy Assessment,” The Battery Show South (April 16, 2025). 
  • “Washington Takes Aim at EV Battery Offshore Inputs,” International Battery Seminar and Exhibit (March 20, 2025). 
  • “Geopolitics: Net Zero Supply Chain,” Mason ONE Energy Summit (October 29, 2024).
  • “Untangling the 100% EV Import Tariffs. Supply Risks and Revenue Opportunities,” The Battery Show North America 2024 (October 9, 2024). 
  • “Winning the Global EV Race,” The Battery Show North America 2023 (September 12, 2023). 
  • “The Tangle of US Trade Rules for the Electric Mobility Industry,” Electric Vehicle Symposium 36 (June 13, 2023). 
  • “USMCA Uniform Regulations: Conversation with U.S. CBP,” Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) (June 24, 2020).
  • “USMCA – Pathway to Implementation,” Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) (May 21, 2020).
  • “Treatment of Remanufactured Goods under the USMCA,” Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) (October 22, 2019).
  • “Section 301 List 3 Exclusion Process,” Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) (July 10, 2019).
  • “NAFTA & Other US Free Trade Agreements,” International Credit Executives Group (March 8, 2018).

While at CBP, Antonio conducted training presentations on trade facilitation, valuation and the rules of origin principles for various domestic and foreign audiences in both the government and private sector.

During his time in Law School, Antonio received the JB and Maurice C. Shapiro Public Service Fellowship, as well as a Public Interest Law Fellowship for his internship with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

In the News

Antonio is regularly quoted by industry publications and news outlets.

Life Beyond the Law

Antonio spends his free time with his wife, son and daughter, enjoying activities that keep his children happy and busy. He is also a sports enthusiast, coaching and playing recreational sports, as well watching his favorite teams.

Insights