The trade-oriented data rules embedded in trade agreements or other trade-related arrangements have garnered significant attention. The content of these trade-oriented data rules is becoming increasingly rich, encompassing not only traditional data rules such as cross-border flow and storage but also cutting-edge data rules such as data sharing and data innovation. Pursuing development interests is the primary value orientation for various economies in formulating trade-oriented data rules. At the same time, they also balance security interests through built-in safety valves and integrate data rules with other regulations. Against this backdrop, China’s free trade zones (ports) need to focus on promoting a Flow & Sharing & Innovation triad data governance framework, innovating data governance within the scope authorized by national laws and regulations, while also paying attention to the internal coordination between data governance and other governance issues. Free trade zones (ports) can enhance data governance by focusing on key measures such as: improving the practical compliance of cross-border data transfers and addressing enterprises’difficulties and challenges in data compliance, strengthening digital infrastructure development to enhance data standardization and security capabilities, establishing mechanisms for data element circulation and transactions from aspects such as data rights confirmation, pricing, and trading rules, pragmatically promoting the construction of mechanisms for public data openness and sharing.