IVAR UK – In unstable market times we got you covered.
This year we are seeing cost increases across the sector, and since the recent conflicts the prices of shipping from Asia have risen exponentially.
At Ivar UK we appreciate this, our factory in Italy means less instability in both your pricing and supply chain.
1. Faster lead times
Road transport from Milan to the UK typically takes 2–4 days, allowing for much faster delivery to customers. By comparison, shipments from China normally take 30–40 days via ocean freight, significantly increasing lead times and reducing flexibility in the supply chain.
2. Lower exposure to global shipping disruptions
Chinese imports rely heavily on long international sea routes that pass through sensitive geopolitical regions. The current conflict involving Iran has already disrupted shipping flows, with vessels avoiding key routes and some maritime insurers withdrawing war-risk cover due to safety concerns. These disruptions have caused delays, higher insurance costs, and reduced vessel availability.
3. Rising ocean freight costs from Asia
Freight rates from China to Europe have increased significantly since late 2025, with industry data indicating rates have risen by around 27% since December. This volatility makes it more difficult for importers to maintain stable landed costs and pricing for their customers.
4. Greater supply chain reliability
European sourcing reduces reliance on container shipping and major transhipment ports. Transport from Italy to the UK is primarily via road or short-sea routes, making delivery schedules more predictable and less vulnerable to port congestion, blank sailings, or container shortages.
5. Lower inventory requirements
Shorter lead times allow businesses to operate with smaller stock holdings, improving cash flow and reducing the need for large safety stock levels.
6. Compliance and product standards
Manufacturers in Italy operate under strict European manufacturing and safety regulations, ensuring consistent product quality and easier compliance with UK standards. Ivar Group are iso9001 and iso14001 compliant.
7. Sustainability benefits
Transporting goods within Europe results in lower CO₂ emissions compared with long-distance inter continental shipping from China.
In summary:
Sourcing from Ivar UK offers faster delivery, greater reliability, reduced geopolitical risk, and more stable costs compared with long-distance imports from China.
