TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Auto workers on Thursday mocked US President Donald Trump and protested US auto tariffs imposed on Taiwan.  

To coincide with Labor Day, 5,000 people gathered outside the Presidential Office Building to demand reduced work hours, the restoration of discontinued national holidays, increased vacation leave, and an end to workplace bullying, per UDN. Dozens of trade union groups expressed themselves with banners, costumes, skits, and props. 

Among the protesters were autoworker union members who made a paper effigy of Trump popping out of a car roof as he holds a sign that reads in Mandarin: “Car tariffs.” Trump and his vehicle were carried as if they were divine effigies on a palanquin during a religious festival. 

In March, Trump announced a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars and auto parts, including components from Taiwan. However, on Thursday, the Trump administration said it would make an exception for auto parts made in Canada and Mexico that are compliant with the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement, per CBC. 

On March 27, the economics ministry reported that Taiwan exported US$98 million (NT$3.243 billion) in complete vehicles and US$3.1 billion in vehicle parts to the US last year. Taiwan’s auto parts makers have taken measures to counter the tariffs such as the Free On Board shipping method.