Chinese Container Makers are indicted by U.S. in price-fixing case

By LM Staff · May 22, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice this week has indicted four of the world's largest shipping container manufacturers and seven Chinese executives, alleging they worked together to restrict output and fix prices during the COVID-era supply chain crisis. The charges involve what prosecutors described as a global conspiracy affecting billions of dollars in commerce.

The four companies named in the indictment are China International Marine Containers (CIMC), Shanghai Universal Logistics Equipment, also known as Dong Fang International Containers, CXIC Group Containers, and Singamas Container Holdings. Prosecutors said the alleged conspiracy ran from as early as November 2019 through at least January 2024.

According to the DOJ, the companies and co-conspirators involved in the alleged scheme represented roughly 95% of global production of standard dry shipping containers, the steel containers used to move goods around the world. Prosecutors allege the companies coordinated efforts to reduce supply as demand surged during the pandemic.