U.S. federal authorities are investigating allegations that Chinese manufacturers may have restricted global shipping container production shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially driving up prices and disrupting supply chains.

Investigators believe several dominant firms reduced output in late 2019 by limiting work hours, which may have contributed to a coordinated effort to tighten supply.

The alleged actions came just before pandemic-related disruptions further strained global trade, leading to severe container shortages in 2020.

Reports say several executives have been indicted, with one detained in France awaiting possible extradition to the United States, CBS News has reported.

The investigation comes amid broader U.S.-China trade tensions and follows recent high-level talks between the two countries.