The digital economy has become a key driver in transforming and upgrading China’s manufacturing industry. This study contributes to the existing literature by utilizing spatial econometrics on panel data from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across mainland China to capture the regional spatial effects of the digital economy and regional disparities on the technological complexity of China’s manufacturing exports. These areas are often overlooked in prior studies. Unlike prior research focusing on isolated mechanisms, this study simultaneously evaluates three mediating pathways: innovation, human capital, and industrial restructuring, providing a comprehensive understanding of digitalization’s impact on export complexity. The duration of the study spans from 2011 to 2020. The study’s findings reveal that the digital economy’s growth significantly improves the technological complexity of manufacturing exports. It achieves this through three primary channels: promoting technological innovation, enhancing human capital, and advancing industrial structures. Furthermore, the influence of the digital economy on export technology complexity varies by region, indicating regional heterogeneity. Therefore, to foster a strong industrial ecosystem, each region must refine its digital economy environment, elevate development levels, encourage collaboration, and facilitate information sharing, thereby accelerating the digital transformation of manufacturing.