Container manufacturers from China and Hong Kong are facing significant legal risks after class-action lawsuits were filed in the United States alleging anti-competitive collusion. The investigation also targets companies that control a substantial share of the global container market.
According to U.S. authorities, the manufacturers coordinated their actions to limit the production of dry freight containers between 2019 and 2024. Investigators claim that the companies deliberately reduced the utilization of production capacity, refrained from expanding manufacturing facilities, and coordinated pricing policies.
The plaintiffs are U.S.-based companies CA Spalding Company and Daybreak Express. The lawsuits were filed shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice released an indictment against several leading participants in the container manufacturing industry.
Among the defendants are Chinese manufacturers China International Marine Containers (CIMC) and CXIC Group Containers, as well as Hong Kong-based Singamas. In addition, several industry executives have also been named in the allegations.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the alleged collusion led to a significant increase in the price of standard dry containers. Over a two-year period, container prices nearly doubled, while manufacturers’ profits increased substantially.
Industry experts note that the case could have a significant impact on the global container equipment market. Companies from China and Hong Kong hold dominant positions in container manufacturing and play a critical role in supporting global supply chains and international trade.
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