American shellfish could be imported to Spain for the first time in years

US authorities have confirmed that a two-way trading deal could be back on the menu if harvested from Puget Sound or Massachusetts Bay.

It could see clams, mussels, oysters, lobsters and scallops being sold into the US or back into the EU.

If allowed, it will be the first time such a deal has been struck since the EU banned US shellfish entering the EU in 2010.

In addition, Spain and the Netherlands will also be able to sell raw ‘bivalve’ shellfish.

US Food Commissioner Scott Gottlieb confirmed: “In order to help break down this trade barrier and ensure the safety of imported shellfish products in both markets, the US and the EU have been actively working to move the process forward.”

It is a big potential market for Spanish exporters with the American seafood industry estimated to be worth more than €73 billion.