PARIS, April 2 (Reuters) - Sales of French wine and

spirits are expected to slide at least 20% in the United States

after U.S. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs,

the French wine and spirits exporters group FEVS said on

Wednesday.

Trump said the United States would impose a 20% duty on

imports from the European Union.

The French wine and spirits industry had already been

under pressure, with exports globally

falling

for the second consecutive year in 2024 due to threats of

U.S. tariffs, a softer Chinese market and lower prices.

FEVS chairman Gabriel Picard described the 20% tariff on

EU beverages as colossal.

"It will have a very significant impact on business in

the United States ... a very significant impact on the American

consumer," he told Reuters.

The United States is the largest market for French wine

and spirits, with shipments to the U.S. rising 5% in 2024 to 3.8

billion euros ($4.12 billion).

Exporters include LVMH, which owns Moet et

Chandon champagne and Hennessy cognac, as well as Pernod Ricard

and Remy Cointreau.

($1 = 0.9234 euros)