How to Buy Coupang Stock in the UK – Complete Guide 2025

Introduction to Coupang, Inc. (CPNG)

Coupang, Inc. (NYSE: CPNG) is South Korea’s largest e-commerce company, often dubbed the “Amazon of South Korea.” Founded in 2010 by Bom Kim, the company has revolutionized online shopping in South Korea with its innovative “Rocket Delivery” service, offering same-day and next-day delivery to millions of customers.

For UK investors, Coupang represents an opportunity to gain exposure to the rapidly growing Asian e-commerce market. The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in March 2021 in one of the largest IPOs of that year, raising $4.6 billion. With South Korea’s high internet penetration rate and growing consumer spending, Coupang is well-positioned to benefit from the digital transformation of retail in one of Asia’s most developed economies.

Current Stock Performance Analysis

As of the latest trading data, Coupang stock is showing strong momentum:

• Current Price: $31.48 (approximately £25.18 at current exchange rates)
• Daily Performance: Up 8.89%, indicating strong investor interest
• Monthly Performance: Impressive 13.12% gain over the past month
• Market Capitalisation: $57.39 billion (approximately £45.9 billion)
• 52-Week Range: $19.02 – $31.785, currently trading near the upper end
• P/E Ratio: 157.4, reflecting high growth expectations but also indicating the stock trades at a premium

The stock’s recent performance suggests growing investor confidence in Coupang’s business model and expansion plans. However, the high P/E ratio indicates that much of the future growth is already priced into the stock, making thorough research essential before investing.

How to Buy Coupang Stock from the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose a UK Broker

Select a regulated UK broker that offers access to US stocks. We recommend comparing fees, features, and account types before making your decision.

Step 2: Open and Fund Your Account

Complete the broker’s registration process, which typically involves:

• Providing personal identification documents
• Completing a suitability assessment
• Making an initial deposit (minimum amounts vary by broker)

Step 3: Research and Analysis

Before purchasing, conduct thorough research using your broker’s tools and external resources to understand Coupang’s financials, competitive position, and growth prospects.

Step 4: Place Your Order

Search for “CPNG” in your broker’s platform and place your order. You can choose between:

• Market Order: Buy immediately at current market price
• Limit Order: Set a specific price you’re willing to pay
• Stop-Loss Order: Automatically sell if the price drops to a certain level

Step 5: Monitor Your Investment

Keep track of your investment’s performance and stay updated with Coupang’s quarterly earnings reports and business developments.

Best UK Brokers for Buying Coupang Stock

Broker	Commission	Minimum Deposit	Key Features
eToro	0% on stocks	£50	Social trading, Copy trading features
Trading 212	0% commission	£1	ISA account available, Fractional shares
Interactive Investor	£3.99 per trade	No minimum	ISA and SIPP available
Hargreaves Lansdown	£11.95 per trade	No minimum	Comprehensive research tools, ISA and SIPP
AJ Bell	£5-£9.95 per trade	£500	ISA and SIPP, Professional research tools

Our Top Recommendations:

For Beginners: Trading 212 offers the lowest barrier to entry with just £1 minimum deposit and zero commission fees, plus the ability to buy fractional shares.

For Active Traders: eToro provides excellent social trading features and zero commission on stock trades, making it ideal for those who want to learn from other investors.

For Long-term Investors: Interactive Investor or Hargreaves Lansdown offer comprehensive ISA options, perfect for tax-efficient long-term investing.

Tax Implications for UK Investors

Stocks and Shares ISA

UK investors can hold Coupang stock within a Stocks and Shares ISA, providing significant tax advantages:

• Annual ISA allowance: £20,000 for the 2024/25 tax year
• No Capital Gains Tax on profits within the ISA
• No tax on dividends (though Coupang doesn’t currently pay dividends)

Capital Gains Tax

For investments held outside an ISA:

• Annual CGT allowance: £3,000 for the 2024/25 tax year
• CGT rates: 10% (basic rate taxpayers) or 20% (higher/additional rate taxpayers)
• Only profits above the annual allowance are taxable

Dividend Withholding Tax

As a US-listed stock, any future dividends from Coupang would be subject to 15% US withholding tax (reduced from 30% due to the UK-US tax treaty).

Investment Risks and Considerations

Company-Specific Risks

• Profitability Concerns: Despite strong revenue growth, Coupang has historically struggled with profitability
• Intense Competition: Faces competition from global giants like Amazon and local players
• Regulatory Risk: Subject to South Korean regulations that could impact operations
• High Valuation: The P/E ratio of 157.4 suggests high growth expectations that may be difficult to meet

Market Risks

• Currency Risk: As a US-listed stock, GBP/USD exchange rate fluctuations affect returns for UK investors
• Economic Sensitivity: Consumer cyclical stocks like Coupang are sensitive to economic downturns
• Geopolitical Risk: Tensions in the Korean peninsula or broader Asia-Pacific region could impact the stock

Growth Opportunities

• Market Expansion: Potential expansion into other Asian markets
• Logistics Innovation: Industry-leading delivery network provides competitive advantage
• New Services: Expansion into areas like cloud computing and fintech

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Coupang stock with a UK broker?

Yes, most major UK brokers offer access to US-listed stocks including Coupang (CPNG). You’ll need to ensure your chosen broker provides access to the New York Stock Exchange.

What’s the minimum amount I can invest in Coupang?

This depends on your broker. With fractional share providers like Trading 212, you can invest as little as £1. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy at least one full share (currently around £25).

Does Coupang pay dividends?

No, Coupang does not currently pay dividends. The company is focused on reinvesting profits into growth and expansion.

Is Coupang a good long-term investment?

This depends on your risk tolerance and investment goals. While Coupang has strong market position in South Korea, the high valuation and profitability challenges present risks that investors should carefully consider.

What are the trading hours for Coupang stock?

As a NYSE-listed stock, Coupang trades during US market hours: 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM GMT (during standard time) or 1:30 PM to 8:00 PM GMT (during daylight saving time).

Can I hold Coupang stock in my SIPP?

Yes, most SIPP providers allow investment in international stocks including US-listed companies like Coupang, though you should check with your specific provider.

Conclusion

Coupang represents an interesting investment opportunity for UK investors seeking exposure to the Asian e-commerce market. The company’s strong market position in South Korea, innovative logistics network, and growth potential make it an attractive option for those comfortable with higher-risk, high-growth investments.

However, the high valuation, profitability challenges, and various market risks mean that Coupang should be considered as part of a diversified portfolio rather than a standalone investment. UK investors have excellent access to CPNG stock through various brokers, with the ability to invest tax-efficiently through ISAs.

Before investing, ensure you understand the risks involved and consider your investment timeline and risk tolerance. Consider starting with a small position and gradually building your investment as you become more familiar with the company and its performance.