The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines was established on July 16, 1899, shortly after the American occupation of Manila. At that time, there was a substantial Spanish community in the country, which actively participated in industry, trade and commerce.

World War II dealt a very hard blow to the Spanish community in the Philippines. Many Spaniards were killed during the war, particularly during the liberation of Manila and most of their business establishments and personal properties were destroyed. As there were no damage claims paid to Spanish citizens (although Japan eventually agreed to pay some compensation to Spaniards killed during the war), Spanish businessmen, particularly the smallest ones, found it difficult to rebuild after the war. In 1946, the Spanish government offered to repatriate all Spanish citizens wishing to return to Spain, many took advantage of this offer, thus reducing the Spanish community to a fraction of what it had been before the war.

The activities of the Spanish Chamber were able to continue with the help of the few remaining Spanish companies in the Philippines, principally Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas (Tabacalera) and its subsidiaries, Roxas y Cía, with its subsidiary, Central Azucarera de Don Pedro, as well as, Filipino companies of Spanish origin such as San Miguel Corporation, Elizalde & Co., Inc. and others.

The early post war years were difficult for trade between Spain and the Philippines. However, Spain continued to be a very important market for tobacco and other Philippine agricultural products while imports from Spain were limited mostly to wines and canned food items.

Aware of the importance of improving trade relations worldwide, the Spanish Government started to subsidize the activities of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in many countries to allow these to expand their scope of work. Today, “La Cámara” is an organization focused in the promotion of the trade between Spain and the Philippines and to help and participate in the development of the Philippines.