The U.S. Department of Justice has announced indictments against multiple Chinese companies and their executives, accusing them of price-fixing and antitrust violations during the COVID pandemic. Investigations are underway to determine whether Chinese firms reduced the production of shipping containers prior to the pandemic, which may have contributed to global supply chain disruptions. Four major container manufacturing firms and seven of their executives have been indicted as part of a broader probe into alleged illegal cartel activities affecting billions in commerce. Justice Department officials have also held briefings to discuss the implications of these findings amid ongoing scrutiny of international trade practices.