Today's world is changing rapidly. The application of new technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence promotes the digitization of international trade, which accounts for a large proportion of economic development. At present, the development of my country's digital economy and trade is at an advanced level internationally, but in high‐end trade, there is still a gap with developed countries. Therefore, this paper continues to study the transformation, development and upgrading of international trade in the context of the digital economy. First, the connotation and characteristics of the digital economy are clarified. Second, it describes the impact of the digital economy on international trade patterns and rules. Thirdly, the impact of the international trade structure under the digital economy is analyzed. Finally, the development strategy of international trade in the context of digital economy is proposed from multiple perspectives.