The cost of shipping dry bulk materials firmed this week following bullish sentiment on European steel prices and demand, although rates were tempered by more uncertainty over Chinese iron ore contract price talks.The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) was 3427 on 17 March 2010, compared with 3316 last week. Capesize, Panamax, Supramax, and Handysize were 3780, 4298, 2898 and 1395 respectively. Freight rates were pulled up after the World Steel Association (WSA) forecast European steel demand would rise 20% in 2010, while also increasing global demand predictions to 10% from 9%, which would return demand...