The other five categories account for between 9 and 12 percent each of 1994 U.S. imports. Although Ecuador has seen an increase in its import share from 15.1 to 17.5 percent over the period, it has relinquished its position as top supplier, which it held from 1990 to 1992. Indonesia increased its market share from 3.9 percent in 1990 to 5.4 percent in 1992 before witnessing a decline in 1994 to 3.9 percent. Prices Figure 2 provides weekly importer selling prices for frozen Tiger prawns from Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and the Philippines. During the last two years, prices have steadily increased for all sizes of Tiger prawns.
Many wholesalers also act as processors and retailers.
Importers generally buy shrimp with a letter of credit, which makes payment available to the seller on shipment. Any decrease in shrimp prices that occurs during transport and clearance of the product for importation is the importer's burden. Brokers commonly match buyers and sellers and receive a commission from sellers. Some processors import product directly from the source country, opting not to go through brokers. Industry Grades and Standards Quality is defined according to importer specifications for the product.