Feb 14 (Reuters) - Canadian pipeline operator TC Energy ( TRP )

beat estimates for fourth-quarter profit on Friday,

helped by strength in Mexican operations.

The results come amid an uncertain future for the country's

energy sector that faces the threat of steep U.S. tariffs.

President Donald Trump, who imposed 25% more tariffs on Canada

and Mexico weeks ago, has now delayed them by a month.

The Calgary-based company said it was assessing trade

negotiations between the U.S., Canada and Mexico and the impact

of the proposed tariffs, but expected to see minimal impact.

The company reported fourth-quarter adjusted core earnings

from Mexican natural gas pipelines of C$234 million, up from

C$208 million a year ago.

It posted an adjusted profit of C$1.05 per share ($0.7403),

compared with analysts' estimates of C$1.00 per share, according

to data compiled by LSEG.

TC Energy ( TRP ) increased its quarterly dividend by 3.3% to 85

Canadian cents.

($1 = 1.4183 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Vallari Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by

Shinjini Ganguli)