Trade group chat rottenly — on regular basis! (6)
I believe the answer is:
cartel
'trade group' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'chat rottenly on regular basis' is the wordplay.
'on regular basis' indicates alternate letters (letters selected at regular intervals).
'chat'+'rottenly'='chatrottenly'
The alternate letters of 'chatrottenly' are 'CARTEL'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cartel that I've seen before include "Self-interest group for claret" , "Producers' conspiracy" , "Manufacturer's association restricting competition" , "Business monopoly for claret" , "Group that agrees fixed prices to limit competition" .)