Asian Insider: Can the US secure 90 deals in 90 days? | Investors hungry for a bite of India’s snacks industry

Plus: Political families in the Philippines tighten their grip | If this e-mail is not displayed properly, click here. THURSDAY, APR 24 2025 Asian Insider brings you insights into a fast-changing region from our network of correspondents and commentators. Connie Er Deputy Foreign Editor Dear ST reader, Just hours after nominations for the May 3 General Election closed on April 23, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that the challenges today are more severe than when Singaporeans last went to the polls in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. At a press conference, he said: "No one can tell what this new global order will be like... we are in the midst of a very messy and unpredictable transition." He called on Singaporeans to "equip themselves" with the best team to take the nation forward. Singapore is subject to a baseline 10 per cent tariff imposed by the US. If the US imposes separate tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports, Singapore's economy will sustain a much bigger hit. The White House is meanwhile betting on more clarity to emerge from a string of deals with a dozen other nations. The US is negotiating "tailor-made" deals with some 90 trading partners during its 90-day pause, which will end in early July. Will there be 90 deals in 90 days? In China, exporters told The Straits Times that American customers have suspended orders and shipments as they sought further clarity on how tariff negotiations will pan out. Still, China said on April 24 that there were no ongoing negotiations with the US. Perhaps some of the messages are to be found in the memes produced by the Chinese embassy in America. China-made goods for US now stuck in warehouses US customers suspend shipments as they await clarity on tariff talks. More on impact of tariffs: Indonesia's Prabowo could turn looming economic storm into opportunity US V-P Vance presses India for more trade concessions Japan's trade talks with US offer nations few clues on way forward As tariffs get real, Trump could edge back from the brink The next US-China escalation could come in the financial markets. More from the US: Chinese embassy in US takes potshots at Trump's tariffs In Trump's America, women ditch feminism for "tradwife" lifestyle Xi plays long-term game of keeping S-E Asia onside during tour Chinese leader's message of solidarity was received with varying enthusiasm. Mr Xi's trip to this region: Xi's chance to be the bigger person in the South China Sea row Xi's weapon in China's trade war game plan Political dynasties in the Philippines How a system intended to help the poor became dominated by the rich. More from South-east Asia: Indonesia's balancing act in spotlight as major powers' military rivalry intensifies Little bites, big returns in India's snacks sector Success of market leader Haldiram Snacks whets investment appetite. More about India: Rise in remittances from Indians in advanced economies China's unofficial national flower Peony gives city a boost Heze accounts for over 85 per cent of the country's peony seedling supply. More from East Asia: South Korea ex-president Yoon's influence still palpable ahead of polls Jeju island positions itself as a test bed for green hydrogen tech Sign up for more newsletters here. To manage your newsletters, click here.