The Association was founded in 1925 by followers of Joseph Chamberlain. It continued the work of the Tariff Reform League, which ceased to function just after World War I, in promoting the trade system of Protection and Imperial Preference. In 1947 the Association partly amalgamated with the British Empire League and from 1948 the two bodies held joint AGMs. In 1958 its name was changed to the Commonwealth and Empire Industries Association, which became the Commonwealth Industries Association in 1960. It was wound up in 1976.
Various committees and clubs operated within the Empire Industries Association. The Chamberlain Club met annually for a celebratory dinner on Joseph Chamberlain's birthday. It was founded in 1932 with 30 members, one for each year since Chamberlain established his imperial policy in 1902, and one new member was added annually.
The Chamberlain Centenary Committee was founded in 1936 to commemorate Joseph Chamberlain and support campaigns for imperial unity. The Committee was wound up in 1948 and its funds transferred to the Empire Industries Association and the British Empire League.
The Empire Development and Settlement Research Committee was established in the 1930s to encourage British emigration and settlement within the Empire.
From the guide to the Empire Industries Association, 1925-1976, (Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick Library)
