Thailand remains optimistic about securing a lower tariff rate than the 36% levy announced by President Donald Trump, based on its offer to reduce import tax on most US goods to zero, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said.

Thailand, in its latest proposal to avert steep U.S. tariffs, is aiming to boost bilateral trade volumes with the U.S. and reduce its $46 billion trade surplus by 70% within five years, reaching balance in seven to eight years,

Thailand faces a critical trade deadline with the US as Finance Minister Pichai heads to the US for negotiations.