trade association

American  

noun

1. an association of people or companies in a particular business or trade, organized to promote their common interests.

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trade association British  

noun

1. an association of organizations in the same trade formed to further their collective interests, esp in negotiating with governments, trade unions, etc

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Etymology

Origin of trade association

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

A new report from trade association Swedish Edtech Industry warns that a more analogue education risk pupils being underprepared for future jobs.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“Free navigation and smooth trade are only possible if seafarers can do their job safely,” said Sotiris Raptis, secretary general of European Shipowners-ECSA, a trade association.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Their trade association, AHIP, cites research defending the program.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Exports of the flavourful hard cheese produced around Parma in northern Italy rose by 2.7 percent to nearly 75,000 tonnes last year, the industry's trade association said.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Instead, however, of a trade association as in Germany, or a district insurance association as in Austria, there is a government insurance office, in which employers have to insure their workmen.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various