TAIPEI, April 17 (Reuters) - Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, on Thursday logged a forecast-beating 60% leap in quarterly profit, though its outlook has been complicated by U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable trade policies.

TSMC expects Q2 revenue of $28.4-29.2 bln (vs Q2 2024 revenue $20.82 bln), Gross margin at 57-59% (Q1 58.8%), operating margin at 47-49% (Q1 48.5%).

Benefiting from surging demand for advanced chips used in artificial intelligence applications, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co said net profit for January-March climbed to T$361.6 billion ($11.1 billion), its fourth straight quarter of double-digit growth.

That was ahead of a T$354.6 billion LSEG SmartEstimate drawn from 18 analysts.

TSMC shares jumped 4.7% in overnight trading.

Trump's trade policies and threats to put tariffs on semiconductors have created much uncertainty for the global chip industry and TSMC, whose customers include Apple and Nvidia.

TSMC announced plans for a $100 billion U.S. investment with Trump at the White House last month, on top of $65 billion pledged for three plants in the state of Arizona, one of which is up and running.

TSMC's shares have dropped 20% so far this year given uncertainty about U.S. trade and tariff policies.

($1 = 32.4770 Taiwan dollars)