Coupang increases US lobbying and political donations

Coupang has significantly increased its spending on lobbying and political contributions in the United States. According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, Coupang’s political action committee, COUPAC, donated $185,000 to members of the U.S. Congress during the first three quarters of this year, an 18.2% increase from the same period last year.

Of these donations, $107,000 went to Democrats and $78,000 to Republicans. This shift includes a 52.9% increase in support for Democratic lawmakers compared to the previous year. The company has also directed funds toward several Republican lawmakers who have been involved in congressional activities related to Coupang, such as the House Ways and Means Committee.

Separately, Coupang’s lobbying expenditures have surged. The company spent $3.62 million on lobbying through the third quarter of this year, more than doubling the $1.69 million spent during the same period last year. Coupang has identified the White House, State Department, Department of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative, and the Senate as primary lobbying targets, with the stated goal of “protecting American companies operating in South Korea.”