EXPORT SURGE in April brought U.S. total for first four months to $6.3 billion, a rise of 22% over the same period last year. Imports totaled $5 billion. Exports in 1960 are now expected to exceed imports by at least $2.5 billion, thus come closer to ending U.S. deficit ($3.7 billion in 1959) in balance of payments.

JAPANESE PEARL shortage is expected because of $19.5 million worth of damage from tidal waves generated by Chilean earthquakes. High seas destroyed oyster beds, disrupted the three-year growing cycle needed to turn a grain of sand into a pearl.

OIL IMPORT QUOTAS were cut by Interior Department from present 1,600,566 bbl. a day to 1,377,674, beginning July 1. Imports of oil used mainly for ship and factory fuel were reduced by nearly 50% for Eastern U.S. after pressure by coal men.

JAPANESE TEXTILE IMPORTS will be boycotted by Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Union, representing 385,000 in the men's clothing industry, approved a "direct-action" campaign against using Japanese fabrics in making garments.

MINIMUM WAGE BILL calling for an increase to $1.25 per hour by 1962 from present $1 ceiling is in works in House. It would set $1.15-an-hour minimum this year. Bill would also extend coverage to additional 4,200,000 workers.

RAIL WAGE INCREASE of 4% was awarded to the 40,000-member Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers by arbitration board. The raise amounts to around 11-c- an hour, is expected to set pattern for 760,000 other operating railroad workers.

NEGRO LABOR COUNCIL was organized in Detroit by A. Philip Randolph, president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, to represent 1.5 million Negroes in U.S. unions. Council will fight inside A.F.L.-C.I.O. to end segregation and discrimination in labor movement.

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