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

TSA officers’ call-out rates at some airports have hit 40% to 50% while DHS has been shut down, according to Airlines for America, a trade association for major U.S. carriers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Airlines and their trade association argue that the Biden administration’s wheelchair regulations exceed the Department of Transportation’s statutory authority and violate the Administrative Procedure Act, claiming the requirements impose unreasonable burdens on air carriers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

"We have also seen a very large and unexpected increase in demand," the trade association said.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

New car sales "remain well below pre-pandemic levels", however, the trade association said in a statement.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

He was president of the first Congress at which all the Trade Unions of England united in a single great trade association.

From Socialism: Utopian and Scientific by Engels, Friedrich