Coupang defends US lobbying as scrutiny intensifies

E‑commerce giant Coupang said its lobbying activities in the United States are a legitimate way to communicate with policymakers. The company highlighted that its lobbying is required to protect its interests in trade policy, supply‑chain regulation and other issues affecting its U.S. operations.

A recent lobbying disclosure shows Coupang spent about $250,000 in the second quarter on lobbying through Ballard Partners, a firm with close ties to former President Donald Trump. The money was used to reach the White House, the House of Representatives and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on matters such as export promotion and commercial ties with allies, including South Korea. The lobbying effort follows criticism from U.S. officials who called South Korea’s investigations into a massive Coupang data leak “discriminatory” and said the company was being singled out. South Korea’s foreign ministry rejected the U.S. criticism as one‑sided.